“St. Michael after Raphael”
200 x 150 cm, Acrylic on PVC, 2012
“St. Michael after Raphael” is a powerful and contemporary reinterpretation of Raphael’s famous work depicting the Archangel Michael defeating the Devil. Painted in acrylic on PVC, the work retains the dramatic and dynamic composition of the original while introducing elements of modernity and a monochrome palette that intensifies the visual and emotional effect. The artist captures the essence of the triumph of good over evil, while playing with shades of gray and black to add a dimension of depth and texture that evokes both tradition and innovation.
The Archangel Michael, with his majestic wings and Roman armour, is frozen in a moment of divine victory. His face, full of serenity and determination, contrasts with the violence of his gesture and the fallen figure of Satan beneath his foot. Michael's tense muscles and the fluid movement of his draperies create a sensation of suspended movement, as if time had stopped at the height of the action. The treatment of light and shadow accentuates the drama of the scene, while the background, rich in landscape details, recalls the idealised landscapes of the Renaissance.
By reinterpreting this iconic work with contemporary materials and techniques, the artist invites the viewer to reflect on the relevance of this timeless theme in a modern context. The choice of PVC as a support, combined with the application of acrylic, gives the painting a smooth and shiny texture that contrasts with the image of antiquity and highlights the idea of rebirth and artistic reinvention.
“St. Michael after Raphael” is more than a mere reproduction; it is an exploration of how sacred images and mythological narratives continue to resonate across the ages. The work offers a reflection on the enduring power of classical art while embracing contemporary techniques, creating a dialogue between past and present, traditional and modern, sacred and profane.
